Andhra Train Mishap: What Caused The Accident?

The East Coast Railway (ECoR) on Sunday said that human error might have led to the train collision in Andhra Pradesh's Vizianagaram district.

The incident, involving the collision of the Visakhapatnam-Palasa Passenger train with the Visakhapatnam-Rayagada Passenger Special this evening, resulted in at least eight fatalities and left 20 others injured, PTI reported citing officials.

"Likely reason: Human error. Overshooting of the signal by Visakhapatnam- Rayagada passenger train," ECoR CPRO Biswajit Sahoo told reporters.

While explaining the term overshooting, the CPRO said it occurs when a train, instead of stopping at a red signal, moves on.

Waltair Division Railway manager Saurabh Prasad said, "In the middle line we had two passenger trains which were running...The rear train came and overshot the signal as a result of which we had around five coaches, three of the front train and two of the rear train which have derailed...There are people who are trapped in these coaches...

Our first priority is to take care of passengers who are trapped inside. SDRF, NDF and our teams, all three are working right now...Right now 6-8 casualties are there...More than 30 people are injured...The rescue efforts are on..."

Two coaches of the Visakhapatnam-Palasa Passenger train from the rear and the loco of Visakhapatnam-Rayagada Passenger were derailed as a result of the accident, the railway official said, adding that rescue operations are underway.

Accident relief trains and other rescue equipment have been engaged and helpline numbers have been issued, he said. The CPRO said around 100 passengers were in the two ill-fated trains.

PM Takes Stock Of Situation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condoled the loss of lives in the train accident in Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh and spoke to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to take stock of the situation.

"PM Narendra Modi spoke to Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw and took stock of the situation in the wake of the unfortunate train derailment between Alamanda and Kantakapalle section," the Prime Minister's Office tweeted. Authorities are providing all possible assistance to those affected, it said. "The Prime Minister extends condolences to the bereaved families and prays that the injured recover soon," the PMO tweeted.